Redefining Medical Tourism: A Legal and Qualitative Analysis of International Medical Travel from the United States

Abstract

International medical travel from the United States occurs when a patient travels to a foreign country for prearranged health care services such as a new knee or a cardiac valve. This dissertation provides further insight into this phenomenon in two key areas. First, a systematic review of the multidisciplinary literature was completed to better understand how the international travel of patients for medical care has been defined. These data were then used to propose criteria for clearer terminology, which is important if international medical travel is to be more readily accepted as part of the U.S. health care delivery system, or for future regulatory efforts. Second, key informant interviews were conducted to better understand self-funded employers’ use of international medical travel benefits. This research provides a framework for future legal and regulatory efforts in international medical travel.